Hope v. Governor's Horse Guard

Hines, J. The discretion of the trial judge in refusing to grant an injunction on conflicting evidence will not be interfered with, it not appearing that there was an abuse of discretion. Judgment affirmed. All the Justices eoneur. The defendants demurred on the ground that the petition set forth no cause of action, and set forth no facts which would authorize the injunction prayed. In their answer the defendants admitted that the Governor’s Horse Guard intended to erect the stables, but alleged that the same would be modern, well equipped, and perfectly sanitary in all respects. They admitted that they had contracted with the Pittman Construction Company for the erection of the barns and stables, and that much work had been done thereon. Much material and supplies had been purchased, workmen employed, and they were incurring a great loss and expense. They denied that the value of the plaintiff’s property would be diminished by the erection of said barn; that the people in the vicinity would be annoyed by bad odors therefrom; that the vicinity in which the barn and stables are to be erected is a strictly residential section; that the erection of the structure would cause more or less noise which would be continuous throughout the day and night; that plaintiffs’ damages would be irreparable; and that the barn and stables would be a continuing nuisance, or a nuisance at all. They alleged that said barn and stables are to be built in in a perfectly clean and sanitary condition, that the same will not be a nuisance, and will not be offensive to the people in the neighborhood; that they have been at a great expense in grading said lot; that material and supplies have been purchased; that a contract has been let for the building of the barn; that a large number of horses have been supplied, and are now being kept at great inconvenience and expense. Hnless a stable is erected, the Government will take back its horses, and horse guards will have to be disbanded. The location of the stables is on an unpaved road, out of the city limits in the country, surrounded by woods, in a neighborhood where dairies, cows, horses, and other animals are kept. The Hnited States government furnishes four expert men to keep the stable in good condition. The answer was duly verified. The plaintiffs introduced evidence tending to prove the allegations of their petition. • The defendants introduced the affidavit of J. S. Slicer, the captain of the Governor’s Horse Guard, in which he deposed; Hnder the Hnited States Army regulations, the State of Georgia is provided equipment and pay for three cavalry troups, one at Savannah, one at Hinesville, and one at Atlanta. The Governor’s Horse Guard was organized and mustered into service on May 31, 1921. It was hard to organize this cavalry troup, but he finally succeeded in getting enough men to enlist to meet the requirements of the Federal militia regulations. Said cavalry troup is supported by the national government, and furnishes the equal of sixty-five or more mounted police on hand at the call of the city, county, or State, for the protection of property and person. The United States government furnishes thirty-two horses, feeds the same, and allows so much pay monthly for the employment of four men to look after the horses. The thirty-two horses provided by the United States government arrived at Atlanta at 3 o’clock on October 26. They have to be temporarily quartered in stables which are not fitted for the purpose; and unless suitable stables can be erected, which can be approved and accepted by officers of the United States army, the troup will lose the horses. When it is necessary for the entire troup to be called out, the government provides for the hiring of a sufficient number of horses to mount the entire troup. The United States government has already obtained a captain from the regular army, a graduate from West Point, to instruct the cavalry of Georgia; and that officer and the first sergeant from the regular army are now in Atlanta. These officers will constantly inspect the stables under the government’s requirements. These stables have to be kept sanitary in every way. They have to be clean at all times. All refuse from the stables has to be carried away each day; and it is absolutely against the regulations for the stables to be kept in such a manner that there will be any flies around the stables. Under the constant inspection of these two army officers it will be absolutely necessary for the troup to keep the stable in such a condition that it can not be obnoxious to any one. It will be run in such a manner as not' to annoy any one. It will be a protection to the neighborhood in which it is located. There is not a house within 300 feet of the stables. The court, after hearing the evidence and argument of counsel, passed an order denying the application for injunction and dis-' solving the restraining order previously granted. To this ruling the plaintiffs excepted. Walter A. Sims, for plaintiffs. Reuben R. Arnold and Lowry Arnold, for defendants.